Slider for fasteners



w. n. LEGAT SLIDER FOR FASTENERS Filed June 2, 1926 wQYv OW m -f/g o@ei CLegmfi Jill flfl

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Patented Aug. 7, 1928.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ROBERT O. LEG-AT, OF NEW BRITAIN, CONNECTICUT, ASSIGNOR TO G. E. PBEN'I'IOE MANUFACTURING COMPANY, OF NEW BRITAIN,'CONNECTICUT, A. CORPORATION 03' CONNECTICUT.

SLIDER FOR FASTENERS.

Application filed June 2, 1926. Serial No. 113,154.

This invention pertains to separable fasteners of that class in which opposed series of spaced fastener elements project from opposite edges of a gap or opening to be closed, the fastener elements of one series being adapted to be engaged with or disengaged from those of the other series only when they are disposed at an angle to the line of strain, the patent to Judson No. 5%,038, August 29, 1893, disclosing an early example of this general type of fastener. The present invention relates more particularly to an improved slider for moving the fastener elements of the opposed series-into and out of engagement.

l asteners of the above class are used in general for closing gaps or apertures in flew ible material, for example, for closing shoe and overshoe flap-s, bags, pouches, placket and pocket openings, tent flaps, etc., and as usually furnished to the trade, the opposed series of fastener elements are mounted upon the edges of a pair of tapes or stringers which in turn are attached by sewing or otherwise to the edges of the gap to he closed. in one desirable type of fastener, such, for example, as that shown in the British patent to Kuhn-Moos No. 14,358, dated June 19, 1912, the fastener elements at opposite edges of the gap are of identically like construction, and thus the slider employed may be of laterally symmetrical shape. ln the ac companying drawings the invention is illustrated by way of example as embodied in a slider of this symmetrical form, but the in vention is not in any way limited to this type of slider, but is equally capable of embodiment in sliders of unsymmetrical or other type.

Fig. l is a fragmentary front elevation, to large scale, showing a fastener, of the general typeabove referred to, provided witha slider constructed in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the slider, the fastener elements being omitted;

Fig. 3 is a plan view, to a smaller scale, of a blank suitable for use in making the improved slider;

Fig. l is an edge view of the-blankshown in Fig. 3;.

Fig. 5 is a vertical section substantially on the line 55 of Fig. 2 but to smaller scale 'of a stiflener yoke fastener;

Fig. 6 is a side elevation, to smaller scale, forming a part of the Fig; 7 is a fragmentary vertical section to large scale on a plane substantially at right angles to the plane of Fi 5;

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 2 illustrat- 1n a modified arrangement; and

1g. 9 is a similar arrangement showing a further modification.

In Fig. 1 of the drawings the numerals l and 2 designate a pair of stringers or tapes of the usual kind, to whose opposed edges the series of fastener elements 3 are secured. As here shownthe fastener elements of the two series are of identical construction, each comprising a socket and a locking pin, the fastener elements of the opposed series being staggeredso that they may be brought into inter-meshing engagement wherein the locking pin of an element of one series engages the socket of the next adjacent element of the opposed series.

While this form of fastener is here illustrated, it is to be understood that the improved slider forming the immediate sub ect matter of the present application is applicable to other types of fastener as well as to that here specifically illustrated.

Referring to Figs. 3 and i I have shown a blank, preferably formed from suitable sheet material, from which the body portion of the slider is formed. This blank comprises the relatively wide end portions 5 and 6 designed to constitute the front and rear wings of the slider, said wide end portions being integrally connected by therelatively narrow band 7". In this embodiment of the invention the band 'l' is provided with clamping lugs or tabs fl and 9 projecting from its opposite lateral edges, such tabs being integral with the band It.

Preferably the wide end portions 5 and t are furnished substantially mid-way of their "ill till

.12 and 12 extending through the thickness of the material. The projecting tabs or tongues 11 and 11 provide pockets 13 and 13 whose purpose is hereinafter described.

The lateral edges of each of the wings 5 and 6 are turned inwardly from the shoulders 10 toward the free. extremities of said wings to form marginal flanges, the flanges of the wing member 5 being indicated at 14 and the flanges of the wing member 6 being indicated at 15. The blank is now bent along the lines 16 and 16 to. bring the wing portions into substantial parallelism, such portions being spaced apart a distance substantially equal to the length of the.band 7. The tabs 8 and 9 are now turned upwardly about the'lines 7 and 7 respectively until they are substantially parallel to each other. In this bending operation, the corners 8 -and 9 are somewhat rounded as indicated in Fig. 5 and if desired these corners may be further rounded by grinding, polishing, etc. to provide a smooth guiding surface for the fastener elements.

The inner side of the band 7 is substantially flat and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the slider, and this band forms the sole means for dividing the fastener elements of the two series asthe slider is moved in the proper direction for disengaging such elements. Reference to Fig. 5 will show that the entire space between the front and rear wings of the slider is open and undivided and that the band 7' which is disposed at the extreme upper end of the wings defines the upper limit of this interior space or channel.

I also provide a stiffening yoke (Fig. 6) preferably stamped from sheet material, although it may be formed in any other suitable way, such yoke having a central portion 17 and a pair of substantially parallel elongate arms 18 and 19 respectively. This yoke is made sufiiciently rigid so that the arms 18 and 19 can not readily be sprung away from each other. When as suggested the yoke is stamped or punched from sheet material, it is of substantially rectangular transverse section at all points, being free from fins, flanges or other laterally directed parts. Preferably the yoke is widest or deepest atits central portion 17 and the arms 18 and 19 gradually taper in width toward their free ends, aifordlng the greatest stiffness and rigidity near the central portion of the yoke where it is most needed.

The yoke thus formed ishighly eflicient as a stiffener, it is very easy and cheap to make and apply, it may readily be finished to give it a smooth and polished outer surface, and as a result of its tapered form it is of light weight, of small bulk and presents a pleasing appearance to the eye. Referring particularly to Fig.7 the lower ends of the legs 18 and 19 of the yoke are provided with inwardly directed lugs 20v having abrupt shoulders at their upper edges. The outer surfaces of legs 18 and 19 are recessed at their lower ends, the recesses terminating in abrupt shoulders 21 and having inner surfaces 22 which are smoothly rounded.

As indicated in Fig. 2,'the yoke also constitutes a retainer for the pull device, and to this end the front leg 19 of the yoke is provided with an elongate recess 23 in its ,inner edge which is adapted to cooperate with the outer surface of the adjacent wing to form an elongate slot for the reception of the pull device.

As here shown the pull device consists of a disk-like member 24 adapted to be stamped from sheet material, such disk-like member having a projection 24 at its edge and an opening 25 which extends up into this projection thus producing a bail-like retaining element 26.

In assembling the slider the leg 19 of the yoke is passed into the opening 25 in the pull device until the retaining member 26 of the pull device enters the recess 23. The legs of the yoke are now slipped down over the front and rear wings respectively of the slider until the central part 17 of the yoke rests on the upper surface of the part 7 between the upturned tabs 8 and 9. As the yoke is pressed downwardly the wings of the slider are sprung toward each other to some extent until the lugs 20 at the lower ends'of the yoke legs come opposite to the sockets 12 and 12 respectively. The lugs now snap into these sockets allowing the wings to spring out into engagement with the inner edges of the legs of the yoke. The lower ends of the legs new seat in the pockets 13 and 13 respectively and the tabs 11 and 11 are turned in against the curved surfaces 22 at the lower ends of the legs. Since the tabs 11 are received in the recessed lower ends of the legs and substantially engage the shoulders 21, the outer edge surface of the leg thus comes substantially flush with the outer surface of the tab 11, forming a smooth and pleasing finish. If desired the openings for the reception of the lugs 20 could be plain punched openings, the tabs 11 and 11 being omitted. although it is preferred to employ the tabs for the reasons just stated.

The upper ends 8 and 9 respectively of the tabs 8 and 9 are now turned in over the central portion 17 of the yoke, securely clamping the latter in place and attaching it to the connecting band 7.

Although the central part of the yoke is thus rigidly secured to the connecting band 7 there may be some slight freedom of the free lower ends of the wings to spring inwardly toward each other although they are prevented from springing outwardly by the rigid yoke arms engaging their outer faces, but when the fastener elements are interposed between the wings any inward movehill till

Willi te ral connection,

ment of the wings is prevented. Thus the 'belafip -ied in the most effective manner.

ave found that by connecting the front and rear wings as above described. and by the provision of the smoothly rounded corners 8 and 9 it is entirely unnecessary to employ a separattgr wedge Within the body of the slider-such as has heretofore been considered an 'essbntial'element of slider construction. The rescnt arrangement is thus simpler than sli ers previously known to me but at the sametime works smoothly and accurately.

While the connection between the front andrear wings has here been shown as an in- I contemplate that generally similar results might be obtained were the wings connected at this point by means of a rivet or equivalent element, and I also contemplate that the central part of the yoke might well be secured to the wing connecting element by other means than the integral ta s here shown. Furthermore, in its broader aspects I do not wish to confine myself to sheet metal construction since the broader features of the invention are entirely 'inde pendent of the material employed or the mode of assembling the several elements.

In Fig. 8 I have shown a slight modification in which the yoke 17 a is provided with legs 18 and 19,respectively. each of said legs having elongate recesses 23 similar to the recess 23 above described. Each of these recesses is adapted to receive the retaining element or bail of a pull device, the respective pull devices being indicated at 24 and 2t Such an arrangement with double pull devices might be found useful under certain circumstances, for example, were it desiredto manipulate the slider from either side of the material in which the gap is formed. ln Fig.9 a further modification is illustrated in which the yoke member 17 has the legs 18* and 19 and is provided with a relatively short recess 23" disposed substantially midway of its length. This recess receives the retaining element of a pull device 24. This pull device thus swings substantially as on a pivot upon an axis disposed about mid wy of the length of the slider.

ile I have illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the slider, I contemplate that various moditications in de- 7 win tail of construction and proportion or parts may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions 4 I claim: I

1. A slider for separable fasteners of the class described comprising spaced Wings, means connecting said wings, the connecting means having posed lugs, and a stiffener device disposed etween said lugs, said lugs preventing lateral displacement of the stiffener devlce, the latter having a part engaging the outer face of at least one of the 2. A slider for separable fasteners of the class described comprising spaced wings, a narrow imperforate band connecting said wings, the band bein provided with clamping means, and a sti ener embraced by said clamping means and having elements engaging the outer surfaces of the respective wings. u

3. A slider for separable fasteners of the class described comprising spaced wings, means connecting said wings, and a stiffening yoke having legs disposed respectively at the outer sides of the wings, said connecting means being provided with opposed lugs embracing the centralpart of the yoke to limit dis lacement of the oke.

4:. A s ider for separab e fasteners of the class described comprising spaced wings integrally united by a relativel narrow band, sald band having clampin ugs projecting from its opposite edges, an a stiffening yoke having legs engagin the outer faces of the respective wings an having its central portion embraced by said clamping lugs.

5. A slider for separable fasteners of the class described comprising spacedwings integrally united by a relatively narrow band, said band having lugs projecting upwardly from its opposite edges, the lugs being substantially parallel except at the end portions, the end portions being directed inwardly toward each other, and a stiffening yoke having its central part disposed between the lugs and retained in position by the in wardly directed end portions of the lugs.

6.v A slider for separable fasteners of the class described comprising spaced'wings and means connecting the wings, each wing having a socket in its side wall near its free extremity, and a stiffener yoke having legs disposed at the outer faces, respectively, of the wings, the legs having inwardly directed elements engaging the respective sockets.

7.. A slider for separable fasteners of the class described comprising spaced wings of rigid stiffener yoke independent of the.

wings and engaging the outer surface of said narrow band; said yoke comprising substantially parallel legs disposed respectively at the outer sides of the Wings, the legs being provided with lugs near their extremities fitting into sockets in the side walls of the respective win s.

8. A slider for separable fasteners of the class described comprising spaced wings and a connecting member uniting the wings near one end, and a substantially rigid stiffener yoke engaging the outer surface of said connecting member, said yoke comprising substantially parallel legs disposed respectively at the outer sides of the wings, each leg havits free end and a apted to fit into a socket in the adjacent wing, the outer edge of each leg having a. recess near its free end, and a tab projecting from the adjacent wing and fitting into said recess.

10. A slider for separable fasteners of the class described comprising spaced wings, means connecting said wings near one end, and a U-chaped yoke having its central part fixedly' attached to the connecting means and its legs disposed at the outer sides of the respective wings, each wing having a socket i opening near its free extremity formed by striking a tab outwardly from the substance of the wing, the outwardly directed tab forming a pocket for the reception of the end of the corresponding leg of the yoke and each leg having an inwardly directed lug projecting into the socket opening of the corresponding wing. v

11. A slider for fasteners of the class described comprising spaced wings of sheet material and a member connecting the wings at one end, the inner face of the connecting member being substantially flat and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the slider and constituting one wall of the space within the. slider.

. 12. A slider for fasteners of the class having opposed series of interlocking fastener elements arranged at opposite edges of material bordering an openlng or gap, said slider "comprising spaced wings of sheet material connected at one end by a relatively narrow separator member adapted to divide the opposed series of fastener elements, said sepa-' rator having its inner face disposed adjacent to the extreme upper ends of the wings leaving substantially the entire space between the wings free and undivided said separator constituting the end wall of the space within the slider.

13. A slider for fasteners of the class having opposed. series of interlocking fastener elements arranged at opposite edges of material bordering an opening or gap, said slider comprising spaced wings of sheet material and means connecting the wings adjacent to one end, the connectlng means constituting a separator for dividing the opposed series of fastener elements, the inner face of said connecting means being substantially flat and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the slider, and constituting the end wall of the space within the slider, the lateral edges of said connecting means being smoothly rounded.

14. A slider for fasteners of the class having opposed series of interlocking fastener elements arranged at opposite edges of material bordering an opening or gap, said slider comprising spaced substantially arallel front and rear wings of sheet material, one at least of said wings having inwardly di rected marginal flanges, and means connecting said wings near one end, the inner face of said connecting means being exposed and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the slider, the connecting means constituting the sole element for separating the opposed series offastener elements.

15. A slider for fasteners of the class having opposed series of interlocking fastener elements arranged at opposite edges of material bordering an opening or gap, said slider comprising spaced substantially parallel front and rear wings of sheet material, substantially the entire space between said wings being open and undivided thereby forming a longitudinal channel, the wings being connected at one end by a member hav-- ing a flat inner surface perpendicular to the axis of the slider and constitutingthe end wall of the space within the slider, said connecting member dividing the entrance to the channel within the slider into two portions adapted to receive the opposed series of fastener elements respectively.

16. A slider for fasteners of the class having opposed series of interlocking fastener elements arranged at opposite edges of material bordering an opening or gap, said slider comprising a piece of sheet material having t ll reraeee narrow band, the wide end portions being spaced and substantiall parallel to form front and rear wings, t e connecting band having upwardly bent lateral margins providing smoothly rounded edges for engagement with the opposed series of fasteners.

18. A slider for separable fasteners of the class described comprising spaced wings of sheet material, means connecting said wings, a stiffener yoke independent of said wings, means clamping the central portion of the yoke rigidly against the outer face of said connecting means, said'yoke having legs disposed at the outer faces of the respective wings, and a slidable pull device operatively positioned by one of said legs.

19. A slider for separable fasteners of the class described comprising spaced wings, a connecting member uniting said wings near one end, and a U-shaped yoke independent of the wings, said yoke having its central part overlying the outer surface of the connecting member and its legs disposed at the outer sides of the respective wings, each wing having a non-circular opening adja cent to but spaced from its free extremity, and each le having an inwardly directed lug fitting into the opening in the corresponding wing.

20. A slider for separable fasteners of the class described comprising spaced wings of sheet material, a member connecting said wings near one end, and a U-shaped yoke having its central part overlying the outer surface of the connecting member and its legs disposed at the outer sides of the re spective wings, each wing having a tab struck outwardly at a part adjacent to but spaced from its free end to provide a pocket for the reception of the end of the corresponding leg of the yoke, the tab overlapping the outer surface of said end.

21. A slider for separable fasteners of the class described having a two-part body comprising spaced wings, a member connecting said wings, and a U-shaped stiffener yoke,

independent of the wings, said yoke having its central portion overlying the outer sur-v face of said connecting member, the yoke having rigid elongate legs of substantially rectangular cross section which taper in width toward their free extremities and which are disposed respectively at the outer sides of the respective wings and engage the latter to prevent them from spreading, the legs terminating short of the ends of the wings and having fastener elements engaging the respective wingsto retain the yoke in position, one at least of said legs having its inner edge recessed to form an elongate slot extending between the leg and the adjacent face of the wing from a point near one end of the leg to a point near its opposite end, and a pull device having a retaining element passing through said slot and movable longitudinally of the latter.

22. A slider for separable fasteners of the class described comprising spaced wings, a member connecting said wings, a U-shaped stiffener yoke independent of the wings, said yoke having its central port-ion engaging the outer surface only of said connecting member, said yoke having rigid legs disposed re spectively at ,the outer sides of the respective wings and engaging the latter to prevent them from spreading, the yoke being thickest, in a front to rear direction, at its central portion and tapering in thickness toward the free ends of the legs, each leg being of substantially rectangular cross section and having an elongate recess in its inner edge forming a slot extending between the leg and the adjacent surface of the corresponding wing, and a pair of pull devices, each pull device having a retaining element passing through and slidable longitudinally of one of said slots, and a lug projecting from each leg of the yoke into an opening in the adjacent wing.

23. A slider for separable fasteners of the class described having a body comprising spaced wings of sheet material, a narrow imperforate neck uniting said wings, a pull retaining member, clamping elements carried by the neck, said elements embracing a portion of the pull retaining member for holding the latter in assembled relation to the neck, and a pull device pivotally attached to the pull retaining member. i

24. A slider for separable fasteners of the class described comprising spaced wings integrally united by a relatively narrow neck, said neck having clamping lugs projecting from its opposite edges, a pull retaining member having a portion disposed between and clasped by said lugs, and a pull device attached to said retainm member.

25. A slider for separal le fasteners of the class described comprising spaced wings and a neckconnecting said wings, a pull retainmg member having a part disposed adjacent to the outer face of one of the wings, said part having a lug engaging a socket near the free extremity of said wing, said pull retalning member also having a transverse part which overlies the neck, and means clasplng sald transverse part of the pull retaming member to the neck.

Signed by me at Berlin, Conn, -this twenty-eighth day of May, 1926.

I ROBERT C. LEGAT. 

